Dental Assistant 1 Entry Level

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community; La Conner (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vision insurance

Job summary

The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community is seeking an entry-level Dental Assistant 1 for the busy 16-chair clinic. You will assist during procedures, maintain infection control, educate patients, and help manage patient flow under direct supervision.

This role emphasizes foundational dental assisting, clerical tasks, and teamwork. A high school diploma or GED and current WA DA registration or progress toward it within 6 months are required, with CPR certification and CDC-recommended immunizations

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• WA DA registration active or in progress within 6 months of hire.
• Current CPR (BLS) certification required.

Responsibilities

• Chairside assisting during dental procedures under direct/close supervision.
• Infection control, sterilization, and equipment maintenance.
• Patient education and post-treatment instructions.
• Operatory setup and breakdown; assist in keeping clinical areas clean and organized.
• Support patient seating, scheduling flow, and room turnover.
• Work toward proficiency in taking digital radiographs.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team player

Willingness to learn

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

JOB TITLE: Dental Assistant 1 Entry Level

DEPARTMENT: Dental

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Dental Assistant 1 (DA1) is an entry-level assistant with no to little work experience and some education working in a dental clinic setting. A DA1 is new to the field or new to the dental practice and focuses on learning all applicable dental procedures and themes, developing two-handed dentistry skills, supporting efficient patient flow, and delivering of safe and qualify services all under direct/close supervision. This role contributes to the clinical efficiency of a high volume, 16 chair, modern & innovative clinic by performing foundational clinical, clerical, and patient care tasks while developing proficiency in a basic dental assisting functions.

JOB DUTIES:

• Chairside assisting during dental procedures
• Infection control, sterilization, and equipment maintenance
• Patient education and post-treatment instructions
• Operatory setup and breakdown
• Compliance with OSHA and clinic protocols
• Participate in community outreach and preventative service events
• DA1-Primary Responsibilities
  • Assist providers during routine exams and procedures under direct or close supervision
  • Perform basic chairside functions such as suctioning, retraction, instrument transfer, and operatory preparation transfer, and operatory preparation

• Support patient seating, scheduling flow, and room turnover
• Work toward proficiency in taking digital radiographs
• Apply topical agents (fluoride, anesthetic, desensitizing agents) as directed
• Provide basic oral hygiene education and post-op instructions

• Complete assigned infection control, cleaning tasks and inventory restocking
  • Clean package, sterilize, and store dental instruments and equipment
  • Weekly dental waterline flushing and operatory cleaning Monthly deep cleaning of operatories, lab, instruments, and equipment

Minimum Qualifications

• Performs basic, state-allowable DA functions with direct/close supervision.
• Actively learning required competencies.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of dental assisting scope of practice per Tribal, state and federal laws.
• Familiar with Modern Dentistry Principle and Practice
• Willingness to learn skills to support dental services and communication related to promoting and maintaining good oral health
• Willingness to learn skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, patients and general public.
• Embodies a chairside manner that promotes a safe, effective, culturally conscientious environment for patients and staff
• Strong communication skids, empathy, attention to detail, organizational skills and professionalism to ensure efficient and quality patient care and a smooth dental operation
• Team player and independent working with demonstrated dedication to excellence and personal integrity manifested in a positive and credible image.

License and Certificate Requirements

• High School Diploma. GED or equivalent.
• Active/current WA DA registration or working towards within 6 months of hire
• Current CPR (BLS) certification.
• Current Immunization record with most recent immunizations recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immunization of Health-Care Personnel: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

Work Environment and Time Commitment

• Work 40 hours per week
• Perform tasks indoors or outdoors with/without long periods of standing and/or sitting
• Able to lift up to ~20 pounds
• Demonstrate the ability to work and engage as a team and with other Swinomish departments

BENEFITS:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

POLICIES AND INSTRUCTIONS

The Tribe complies with the Tribal Preference policy outlined in the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO), STC Title 14, Chapter 1, Subsection 14.01.120(A)(2) of the Swinomish Tribal Code.

1. The Tribe strives for a drug-free workplace environment. Drug and alcohol screening at time of hire is mandatory in sensitive and hazardous positions and where required by the job announcement/description or positions working with Tribal youth.
2. Read the job announcement and position description carefully.
3. Complete all requested information on the application. Do not write "see resume."
4. Read the information in the signature area carefully, then sign and date the application.